30 - The Incarnation: Christ Preeminent

"And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence" (Colossians 1:18).

Jesus Christ came into the world over 2,000 years ago to redeem a people for Himself: His body, the true church.

In Colossians 1:18, Paul declares three things about Jesus. First, in the original language, "He Himself" -- Christ and no other -- is Head of the church. Second, He is the beginning, or the originating power, of the church. Third, He is the firstborn from among the dead -- the first to be loosed from the birth-pangs of death (Acts 2:24), in order that He might be the firstborn among many brethren (Romans 8:29).

These three things are true, Paul declares, in order that Jesus Christ might have the preeminence -- undisputed first place -- not only in the Church, but in all things. This is why God incarnate was born of a virgin in the most humble circumstances, lived the perfect life we could not live, and died the death we deserved to die. All this was done so that Jesus Christ might have first place in all things.

Amidst all the busy-ness and focus on the material, many things compete for first place in our lives. That's especially true at this time of year. Does Jesus Christ have first place in your thoughts and actions this Christmas?

That's our focus this week as we continue our series, Christ Above All: Studies in Colossians.